Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Cumming Group

Location: West Palm Beach, FL, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Construction)

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design and construction phases for high-profile hospitality projects, ensuring adherence to premium quality and detailing standards.

• Lead and manage design consultant teams throughout all project delivery stages, from programming and concept development to construction administration.

• Drive rigorous quality control across design and construction processes, with a keen eye for detail, material execution, and technical accuracy.

• Develop and present executive-level reports, manage consultant onboarding and agreements, and ensure successful cost and schedule management.

• Leverage a deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequences to deliver exceptional project outcomes in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Senior Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly align with a senior-level role in Construction Project Management with a specialization in design oversight, particularly within the hospitality sector. The emphasis on construction administration, on-site field experience, and cost/schedule management solidifies this operational focus. This enhancement aims to frame the role within the operational context of project delivery and management, rather than purely design aesthetics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design and delivery process for premium hospitality projects, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality, detailing, and material execution benchmarks.

• Oversee and guide all project phases, including Programming, Concept Design, Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Construction Documents (CD), and Construction Administration (CA).

• Conduct and manage design meetings, workshops, and drawing reviews to ensure thorough documentation, disciplined interdisciplinary coordination, and alignment with strategic project objectives.

• Implement and own the Quality Control (QC) processes for both design and construction phases, identifying and mitigating potential risks and ensuring high standards are met.

• Develop and deliver polished, executive-level reporting and presentations to senior stakeholders and clients, effectively communicating project status, risks, and strategic recommendations.

• Manage the complete consultant lifecycle, including onboarding, Request for Proposals (RFPs), interviews, agreement negotiation, and contract award.

• Utilize a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequences to conduct rigorous analyses and reviews of developing design and engineering documents.

• Collaborate effectively with project teams to ensure successful cost and schedule management, contributing to the overall financial and timeline success of the project.

• Create essential management deliverables such as presentations, status reports, tabular data, meeting minutes, and project logs.

• Manage and mentor a design management team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description lists "Responsibilities" and "Qualifications" separately. This section consolidates the core duties into actionable responsibilities, ensuring they are framed from an operational management perspective, emphasizing process, oversight, and delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related technical field is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in elite architecture or interior design firms.

• Demonstrated experience working on medium to large-scale hospitality projects from a design and project delivery standpoint.

• Proven track record in Construction Administration (CA) and hands-on On-Site Field experience is mandatory. Required Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of the hospitality design process, including construction methods, materials, and sequencing.

• Strong capabilities in managing and coordinating design consultant teams throughout all project phases.

• Expertise in Quality Control (QC) for design and construction deliverables.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and spoken) for effective client service and issue resolution.

• Proven experience in managing project costs and schedules.

• Extensive knowledge of architectural and engineering documentation standards and practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).

• Proficiency in Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) such as Procore.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership, exhibit a hands-on approach, and possess strong strategic thinking and attention to detail.

• Strong personal initiative, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Experience in managing and overseeing junior design management staff. Preferred Skills:

• Architectural core and shell design experience.

• Familiarity with CAD and 3D modeling software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original "Qualifications" section has been structured to clearly delineate between educational requirements, years of experience, and specific required and preferred skills, with a focus on skills directly relevant to operational project management and construction oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant hospitality projects, clearly detailing your role and specific contributions to the design and construction delivery.

• For each project, provide evidence of your involvement in managing design phases (SD, DD, CD) and Construction Administration (CA), including any challenges encountered and how they were resolved.

• Include examples of project management deliverables such as status reports, meeting minutes, RFQ/RFP packages for consultants, and executive-level presentations.

• Demonstrate your approach to Quality Control, highlighting any specific processes or checks you implemented to ensure design integrity and construction quality.

• Showcase examples of cost and schedule management contributions, such as budget tracking, change order management, or schedule adherence strategies. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design coordination processes, illustrating how you facilitated communication and issue resolution among various design disciplines and stakeholders.

• Documentation showcasing your Quality Control methodology for design reviews, submittal reviews, and site inspections.

• Case studies or examples of managing consultant performance, contract adherence, and onboarding processes.

• Evidence of workflow management and reporting systems utilized (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam) for tracking progress, communication, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a Senior Design Manager role with significant project oversight responsibilities, a robust portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills and process management is crucial. This section outlines specific expectations for portfolio content, focusing on tangible evidence of operational project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary range for this position is $121,200.00 - $169,666.69 USD.

• This range is determined based on factors including the specific responsibilities of the role, the geographical location (West Palm Beach, FL), client requirements, and the candidate's industry experience and demonstrated skill level.

• This base salary range does not include potential bonuses, overtime, or other forms of compensation that may be part of the total compensation package.

• Cumming Group reserves the right to adjust the posted range based on a candidate's qualifications, experience, and specific client needs. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company matching contribution.

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.

• Disability Coverage: Short-term and Long-term disability insurance.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• While a standard work week is expected, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client demands, which could include occasional evening or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range and benefits have been clearly presented. The salary range explanation has been expanded to include the operational considerations for its determination, and the benefits are listed comprehensively. The working hours are clarified to reflect the typical demands of a project management role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Consulting & Project Management. Cumming Group operates as a leading consultancy, providing expert project and cost management services across a diverse range of sectors, including high-profile hospitality, commercial, and institutional projects. Their market position is solidified by consistent year-over-year growth and top rankings in industry publications like ENR.

Company Size: Cumming Group is a large organization with over 60 offices globally and a significant number of employees, indicating a robust infrastructure, established processes, and ample opportunities for career advancement and cross-functional exposure. This size suggests a structured environment with dedicated departments for various operational functions.

Founded: Founded in 2000, Cumming Group has a solid history of growth and evolution, establishing itself as a reliable and innovative player in the project and cost management consultancy space. This history implies a company with established methodologies and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of experienced project managers, design managers, cost consultants, and support staff, organized by project or by region.

• Reporting structures are typically hierarchical, with Senior Design Managers reporting to Project Directors or Senior Leadership, and managing junior design professionals.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with clients, architectural firms, engineering consultants, contractors, and internal Cumming Group specialists to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through rigorous cost analysis, schedule tracking, risk assessment, and performance reporting.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Development and implementation of efficient project management workflows, from initial programming and design development through to construction closeout.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology and PMIS tools (like Procore, Bluebeam) to streamline communication, documentation, and project tracking processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.cumming-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualizing Cumming Group's industry, size, and history provides a clearer picture of the operational environment. The team structure and methodology sections are inferred based on the nature of a large, global project management consultancy and the specific demands of a Senior Design Manager role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the operations and project management domain. It demands significant autonomy, leadership, and the ability to manage complex technical and contractual aspects of large-scale hospitality projects. The focus is on translating strategic design intent into tangible, high-quality built environments through meticulous oversight of the design and construction lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Senior Vice President within Cumming Group, overseeing a portfolio of projects or specific large-scale initiatives. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of Design Managers, Project Architects, or other design professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on Cumming Group's success by ensuring the delivery of high-quality, on-budget, and on-schedule hospitality projects. This directly contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and the firm's reputation for excellence in project and cost management. Effective design management minimizes costly change orders, reduces construction delays, and upholds the client's vision and brand standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into roles such as Project Director, Senior Project Manager, or lead specific regional operations, managing larger teams and more complex project portfolios.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., luxury hospitality, mixed-use developments) or operational areas (e.g., sustainability integration, advanced BIM implementation).

• Mentorship & Training: As a senior leader, the opportunity to mentor junior staff, contribute to internal training programs, and shape best practices within the firm's design management discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the career trajectory and impact of the Senior Design Manager role within the context of a project and cost management consultancy, highlighting how operational excellence translates into career progression and influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as On-site, indicating a primary work location within a Cumming Group office or directly at project job sites. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the rigorous demands of project management and client interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is West Palm Beach, FL. This may involve working from a local Cumming Group office for administrative tasks, team meetings, and client presentations, as well as frequent travel to project sites within the region for inspections, coordination meetings, and site supervision.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among project teams, clients, and consultants, often involving dedicated project rooms or shared office spaces equipped for meetings and reviews.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to essential project management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project), communication platforms, and potentially BIM/CAD software for document review and coordination. High-speed internet and necessary IT support are standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, including other project managers, site supervisors, and administrative staff, as well as regular engagement with external stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically requiring a standard 40-hour work week. However, project demands, site visits, and critical deadlines may necessitate flexible working hours, including occasional extended hours, evenings, or weekends, particularly during key construction phases or client-facing events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the on-site nature of the role, the expected work environment in a project management consultancy, and the practical aspects of the workspace and schedule relevant to an operations professional.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's operational requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion focused on your technical expertise in design, construction methods, materials, and your experience with project management software and methodologies (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, QC processes). Expect scenario-based questions related to managing design challenges, resolving conflicts, and ensuring quality.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, process, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your operational impact and problem-solving abilities.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions assessing your leadership style, communication skills, ability to work under pressure, stakeholder management approach, and alignment with Cumming Group's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant hospitality projects that best showcase your senior-level experience in design management and construction administration.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions and quantify the results where possible (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, reduction in RFIs). Use metrics related to quality control and project delivery efficiency.

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to design coordination, quality assurance, consultant management, and problem-solving. Use visual aids (e.g., sample reports, coordination drawings) to illustrate your processes.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in leading design teams, managing stakeholders, and driving project success through effective communication and decision-making.

• Tailor to Hospitality: Ensure your examples and narrative specifically address the nuances and demands of the hospitality sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case study-style questions that require you to outline a strategy for a hypothetical design or construction challenge, focusing on problem identification, solution development, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to think critically and apply operations management principles.

• Understand Cumming Group's approach to project management and cost control by reviewing their website and any available project case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides detailed, actionable advice for candidates preparing their application and interviews, focusing on showcasing operational competence, portfolio strength, and strategic thinking relevant to a Senior Design Manager role in construction management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Bluebeam Revu: Essential for technical document review, markup, comparison, and collaboration on architectural and engineering drawings. Proficiency in advanced features for quantity take-offs and coordination is highly valued.

• Procore (or similar PMIS): A comprehensive Project Management Information System for managing project documentation, RFIs, submittals, daily logs, safety, and financial tracking. Experience in setting up, managing, and utilizing data from such systems is critical.

• Microsoft Project: Standard tool for project scheduling, timeline development, resource allocation, and critical path analysis.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Useful for preparing presentations, reports, and visual materials, particularly Photoshop and InDesign.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency required for data analysis, financial modeling, budget tracking, and creating custom reports.

• **Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI - potential):**While not explicitly listed, familiarity with BI tools for creating dynamic dashboards and visualizing project performance data can be a significant asset for sophisticated reporting.CRM & Automation:-Internal CRM Systems: Cumming Group likely uses an internal CRM for client management and business development, requiring an understanding of how project operations data integrates with client relationship management.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with automating repetitive tasks within PMIS or through integration tools to improve efficiency in documentation, communication, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific software and technology stack expected for a Senior Design Manager role, emphasizing tools critical for operational efficiency, document management, and project control in the construction industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering superior project outcomes, upholding the highest standards of design integrity and construction quality, and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and a high degree of ethical conduct in all interactions with clients, consultants, and team members.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where open communication, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving are encouraged to achieve common project goals.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Continuously seeking opportunities to improve processes, leverage technology, and implement efficient solutions to enhance project delivery and client value.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and driving projects to successful completion with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where seamless integration between design, cost, and construction teams is paramount. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and shared platforms are key.

• Process Review Culture: An emphasis on continuous improvement through open feedback loops, post-project reviews, and the willingness to adapt processes based on lessons learned to enhance future project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, technical expertise, and lessons learned across projects and teams, often facilitated through internal training, workshops, and mentorship programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely operational values and collaboration styles at Cumming Group, based on the industry, company size, and the demands of a senior project management role, focusing on how these values translate into daily operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and often competing demands of clients, design teams, contractors, and internal stakeholders in a high-pressure environment.

• Navigating Complex Projects: Overseeing intricate design elements, challenging site conditions, and fast-tracked schedules inherent in premium hospitality projects.

• Ensuring Design-to-Construction Translation: Mitigating discrepancies and ensuring that the detailed design intent is accurately translated into the physical construction, minimizing errors and rework.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software, construction technologies, and project management tools to maintain competitive efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities for specialized training in complex project delivery methodologies, risk management, and dispute resolution.

• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining relevant professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), LEED accreditation, or AIA/ASID continuing education.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs, mentorship from senior executives, and opportunities to lead larger, more strategic projects and teams within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential operational challenges within the role and outlines corresponding growth and learning opportunities, providing candidates with a realistic view of the role's demands and development potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting design priorities between a client and a lead architect. How did you mediate and achieve a resolution while ensuring project objectives were met?" (Focus on stakeholder management, negotiation, and process adherence.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a thorough design review for a complex hospitality project. What key elements do you focus on, and how do you ensure technical accuracy and compliance with codes and standards?" (Highlight your QC methodology and technical understanding.)

• "Imagine a critical design issue arises during the construction phase that threatens to impact the project schedule and budget. How would you approach diagnosing the problem, proposing solutions, and communicating the impact to stakeholders?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, risk assessment, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Cumming Group, how do you see your expertise in design management contributing to our firm's success in the hospitality sector?" (Showcase research and alignment with company goals.)

• "Describe your preferred collaboration style when working with diverse project teams, including consultants, contractors, and internal project managers. How do you foster effective communication and teamwork?" (Assess your fit with the team's collaborative approach.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts on a project? What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track, and how do you report on them?" (Focus on metrics, data-driven results, and reporting capabilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each project, structure your presentation around the challenge, your specific role and actions (process), the results achieved (impact/metrics), and key lessons learned.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images, drawings (annotated where appropriate), and clear diagrams to illustrate design concepts, coordination efforts, and construction progress.

• Quantify Achievements: Be ready to discuss cost savings, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs or change orders, and client satisfaction metrics related to your projects.

• Highlight Operational Rigor: Emphasize your processes for quality control, risk management, consultant oversight, and stakeholder communication. Demonstrate your hands-on approach and problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, tailored interview questions and preparation strategies, focusing on operational aspects, problem-solving scenarios, and portfolio presentation techniques relevant to a Senior Design Manager role in construction project management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided link on the Workday portal to submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of experience in hospitality design and construction administration, emphasizing your leadership, project management skills, and proficiency in relevant software (Bluebeam, Procore, MS Project). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases 3-5 key hospitality projects. For each project, clearly define your role, outline your design management and construction administration processes, quantify your achievements (e.g., budget, schedule, quality improvements), and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

• Research Cumming Group: Familiarize yourself with Cumming Group's project portfolio, company culture, and their approach to project and cost management, particularly in the hospitality sector. Understand their values and recent successes.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to articulate your experience and approach during interviews, focusing on how your operational expertise in design management aligns with the requirements of this role and Cumming Group's standards. Practice presenting your portfolio with a clear, concise, and impactful narrative.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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